“The brutal lathicharge against students at Panjab University is a cowardly, authoritarian attack on the freedom of speech and the right to peaceful assembly. By unleashing police violence, the Chandigarh administration has shown its inability to engage in democratic dialogue, resorting instead to colonial-era tactics to suppress the voices of youth fighting for the autonomy of their institution. The sight of students being beaten at the gates of a temple of learning is a dark day for democracy in Chandigarh.”
On the Violation of Campus Space:
“Panjab University is a cradle of intellect, not a fortress for police repression. The high-handedness of the Chandigarh Police in using violence against peaceful protesters leaving students injuredis utterly despicable. Such brute force against unarmed students trying to protect the democratic structure of their university is a blatant abuse of power and a violation of the sanctity of educational spaces. The administration must realise that student voices cannot be crushed by batons.”
On the Disrespect of Faith/Symbols (If focusing on the Sikh student aspect):
“It is deeply shameful and unacceptable that in the process of suppressing the protests, the police resorted to removing the turbans of Sikh students and violating their sacred articles of faith. This act goes beyond mere policing; it is a direct attack on the religious identity and dignity of the students. The authorities responsible for allowing this disrespect must be held accountable immediately, as such behaviour reveals a complete lack of professionalism and empathy.”
On the Institutional Failure:
“The decision to turn a peaceful, rightful protest for Senate elections into a scene of conflict by deploying force is a failure of the administration. Instead of addressing the genuine concerns regarding the university’s autonomy and the delayed elections, the authorities chose to use the police as a shield against accountability. We vehemently condemn this attempt to silence the student community and demand that all cases against the students be withdrawn immediately.”